In 2017, most students (34.5% or 63 928 of the total enrolment) were enrolled on programmes offered at the Bachelor’s degree level, followed closely by enrolments on programmes on the Diploma-360 credits level (29.5% or 54 568). The enrolment in the Higher Certificate levels was 27 249 or 14.7% of the total enrolment whilst enrolment for the Master’s degree was 7 411 or 4.0% of the total enrolment. Only 0.2% or 328 of the total enrolment were enrolled for the Doctoral degree. Table 4.6 further stipulate that 93.1% or 172 368 students enrolled for programmes lower than Honours degree, which is 9 out of every 10 students in PHEIs in 2017. There were no enrolments for programmes on the Master’s degree (Professional) and Doctoral degree (Professional).

Source: Annual report submitted by PHEIs to DHET for the 2017 year of reporting.

Note: The figures provided in the above table were audited.

Note: The qualification types are on NQF level 5 - 10

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The data below shows that the total number of students enrolled in PHEIs in 2017 was 185 046, which was an increase of 10.5% compared to the total student enrolment in 2016 (167 408). Over the period under review there has been an increase of 82 010 or 79.6% in student enrolments within the PHEIs sector. The female enrolment in PHEIs was consistently higher than that of males over the period 2011 to 2017. The number of students who did not report on gender decreased by 38.1% or 805 in 2017 (1 309) as compared to 2016 (2 114).

Source: Statistics on Post-School Education and Training in South Africa, 2016. Annual report submitted by PHEIs to DHET for the 2017 year of reporting. Note: Only 2016 and 207 figures are audited.